The Hydrodynamics of Collimated Flow Interactions around Dying Stars

Mathematics – Logic

Scientific paper

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Hst Proposal Id #10317 Cool Stars

Scientific paper

The Hubble Space Telescope {HST} has imaged a substantial and growing number of young planetary {PNe} and proto-planetary nebulae {PPNe}, with unprecedented high angular resolution and dynamic range. These objects represent the last phases of evolution of 1-8 solar mass stars. The data show that young PNe have highly aspherical morphologies, characterised by multipolar bubbles distributed roughly point-symmetrically around the central star, and that complex morphological structures begin emerging during the PPNe phase. We have hypothesised that the data support a model for the formation of PNe in which high-speed collimated outflows or jets operate during the late AGB/ early post-AGB evolutionary phase. In order to test our hypothesis, detailed theoretical models are needed to study the hydrodynamical interactions of post-AGB collimated fast winds with the slow AGB winds, and understand the nature of the collimated outflows. The subsequent evolution of these PPNe to young PNe, as the central star evolves towards higher temperatures, also needs to be followed. The underlying jets which produce the nebula shapes are generally not detectable in their pristine state {i.e. before they have interacted with the ambient circumstellar medium} - theoretical modeling is needed to derive their basic physical characteristics. Since magnetic fields may be important in the collimation process, numerical simulations using magneto-hydrodynamic codes are needed. However, very little work has been done in these areas. Thus the enormous scientific potential of HST's rich legacy of morphological and {to a lesser extent} kinematical data on dying stars, remains virtually untapped. We propose a 2-year study to model existing HST images of PPNe and PNe. Our work will lead to a better understanding of astrophysical jets and their interaction with the surroundings, as well as the physical mechanisms which shape the circumstellar environment of dying stars.

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